Master’s Thesis at the University of Kerbala Discusses Controlling Cotton Mealybug Using NGS Technology and Integrated Methods

A master’s thesis at the College of Agriculture, University of Kerbala, focused on the identification and morphological and molecular diagnosis of the cotton mealybug (Phenacoccus solenopsis) using Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) technology. The study was conducted on ornamental plants in several nurseries within the province of Kerbala, exploring both biological and non-biological control methods.

The thesis, presented by student Ahmed Hassan Khudair Abu Sakhr, consisted of five chapters and provided a comprehensive study of the insect and its associated parasitoids, in addition to examining integrated pest management (IPM) strategies.

The research aimed to conduct a thorough survey of the cotton mealybug on ornamental plants in gardens and nurseries in Kerbala, identifying the primary host plants preferred by the pest and assessing its feeding preferences.

The study emphasized the importance of field surveys and precise identification of the cotton mealybug and its associated parasitoids. It also highlighted the potential for developing effective control strategies by integrating biological and non-biological methods.